Smoky Smell
Hello, I’m new this this. I hope this is the right place to ask this question. I been diagnosed with migraines for almost 2 years now. I’m taking topamax. My question is, does anybody ever get a smoky smell that you smell. The smell stays with you but theres no smoke around you. This has happen to me a handful on times. This time it’s been with me now for 1.5weeks. I’m about to go crazy. Anytime I mention it to my doctor, she acts like I’m crazy. I asked if others have experience this. She said no but I can’t say it hasn’t happen. When I look up on the internet others say they have. So I was just wondering if anyone here has. Thanks
Hi aimes,
Thank you for your question and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum - we're glad you're here!
YES! Olfactory hallucinations, or smelling odors that aren't there, can be part of a migraine attack. You're not alone, I know from time to time I've smelled smoke too. I've also heard from other patients who've experienced similar things. Let me share with you this expert answer on this topic; https://migraine.com/blog/experiencing-smells-taste-prior-to-migraine/.
You may want to investigate finding a doctor who is a bit more knowledgeable about treating migraine disease. When you get a minute take a look at this information that discusses the difference between general neurologists and doctors who are board certified in headache medicine; http://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different/ and https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/.
Let me know what you think,
NancyHi! New to the site, but already finding a ton of useful information.
I too smell smoke. It's actually unusual now if I DON'T smell it before a migraine. Can't tell you how many times I blamed my husband for allowing the campfire, meat smoker, or smokey clothing inside of the house. Turns out, it really was me!
I will also smell it even if I don't end up having a migraine. I feel your pain, aimes.Thanks for the info, Nancy.
Hi Maddie36 and ElleM,
When we have odd symptoms, it's so nice to know we're not alone!! Thank you both for sharing!
Nancy
Hi there. Yes, i smell smoke before the onset of a migraine. This is actually a relatively common, if bizarre, symptom.
I have the smoke smell hallucinations. I asked my doctor about it and he replied that I'm not crazy and some people actually smell baking cookies or other pleasant smells. I want cookies! But I'm stuck with the cigarettes smell. Mine only sometimes accompanies my migraines, so I can't use it as a predictor of headaches unfortunately.
